Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50
3.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF

Review

Results you may expect from using Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 has a moisturizing rating of 3.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.2 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 5.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer (est. ≈4.0%).

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Sun protection

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion - SPF 50 has an SPF of 50 and provides very high sun protection. This level of protection is ideal for activities involving intense or prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports. It is particularly recommended for individuals with fair skin, those at high risk of skin cancer, or in environments with intense sun exposure. Remember to apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain effectiveness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
55
Water
21.6
Zinc Oxide
6
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
4
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
3
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
2.5
Phenyl Trimethicone
2
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
1.5
Dimethicone
1.3
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
1
Glycerin
0.3
Ethyl Methicone
0.3
Cetyl Dimethicone
0.3
Silica
0.3
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
0.3
Glyceryl Behenate
0.3
Phenethyl Alcohol
0.3
Caprylyl Glycol
0.3
Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
0.3
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
0.3
Sodium Chloride
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Chlorphenesin
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Phenyl Trimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Behenate
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.3
4
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
4.3
2.5
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.3 10
5.3
4
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
2.5
1.5
0.3
Moisturizing rating
3.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1
0.3
All humectants 5.3 10
5.3
All humectants
5.3
4
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2.5
1.5
0.3
All occlusives 4.3 20
2.2
All occlusives
4.3
2.5
1.5
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 0.9 3 No
All antioxidants
0.9
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %55
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %21.6
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Phenyl TrimethiconeA silicone fluid that is used as an occlusive moisturizer. It applies smoothly to the skin and reduces the tack associated with organic oils.
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeA silicone-based powerful emulsifier that helps to create lightweight and pleasant feeling lotions and creams.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Polyhydroxystearic AcidA soft and malleable amber wax naturally derived from vegetable sources. It allows minerals to be very finely dispersed, which can improve SPF, decrease the white cast in sunscreens, and increase the color expression in pigmented products.
Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Ethyl Methicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Methicone
Cetyl Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl DimethiconeA silicone-based emollient and occlusive ingredient that provides slip and adds shine to formulas.
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel ExtractA beneficial extract obtained from Oat groats popular in products aimed at eczema-prone skin. It contains skin healing beta-glucan, anti-inflammatory phenolic compounds, antioxidant flavonoids, various lipids, proteins, and moisturizing amino acids.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Glyceryl Behenate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl BehenateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced emollient that can help create oil gels. It provides a soft feeling to the skin, improving product spread and reducing tackiness.
Phenethyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/Dimethicone CopolymerA synthetic polymer that produces protective films across the skin and prevents caking in powdered products.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.